Energy Department releases data security best practices

The U.S. Energy Department's Energy Sector Control Systems Working Group recently released the whitepaper Roadmap to Achieve Energy Delivery System Cybersecurity. The report is focused on the energy industry, but its tips for securing confidential information can be leveraged by all companies.

An update of a similar report released in 2006, the whitepaper outlines the issues upon which companies within the energy industry should focus to improve data security practices. They are becoming increasingly important as the company industry shifts to the smart grid and works to prevent cyber attacks on important infrastructure.

"Cybersecurity is a serious and ongoing challenge for the energy sector," the report stated. "Cyber threats to energy delivery systems can impact national security, public safety and the national economy."

Most importantly, according to the report, all companies should instill a culture of security throughout the organization. With all areas the business will be better positioned to thwart attacks.

In a security-first environment, employees will have the knowledge necessary to avoid certain threats and ensure that data is utilized appropriately. The effort to promote security must also never stop, the report said.

"In a culture of security, extensive dialogue about the meaning of security and the consequences of operating under certain levels of risk is ongoing, by various means, among citizens and stakeholder[s]," the report said.

Forthcoming changes within the energy organization have many thinking about the data protection measures in place for such infrastructure. According to a recent GigaOm report, that's because the smart grid will rely more on digital communications devices that allow data to flow more freely, but also present various security vulnerabilities.